Cutting and collecting register



Nov. 16, 1965 H. FLACKE ETAL CUTTING AND COLLECTING REGISTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 26, 1965 Nov. 16, 1965 H. FLACKE ETAL CUTTING AND COLLECTING REGISTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 26, 1963 1965 H. FLACKE ETAL CUTTING AND COLLECTING REGISTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 26, 1965 Nov. 16, 1965 H. FLACKE ETAL 3,217,573

CUTTING AND COLLECTING REGISTER Fild April 26, 1963 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 il #104 4 \}W Nov. 16, 1965 H. FLACKE ETAL 3,217,573

CUTTING AND COLLECTING REGISTER Jn vemors:

United States Patent 3,217,573 CUTTING AND CEELLFECIING REGHESTER Herbert Flaclre, Dusseldorf, and Wiiheim Fischer, Dtil'fidi, near Kempten, Aligau, Germany, assignors to C. dz A. Brenninlrmeyer G.m.h.H., Dusseidorf, Germany Filed Apr. 26, 1%3, Ser. No. 275,919 Ciairns priority, application (Germany, Apr. 28, 1962, B 6753319 11 (Ilaims. (Cl. 83-%) The invention relates to a cutting and collecting register for record cards or stubs consisting of a plurality of sections. Such cutting and collecting registers are preferably installed in department stores where the goods to be sold, for example, clothing apparel, are provided with string labels. These labels then comprise several sections, and it is the object of the register which is operated by the cashier, to sever a section of this slip that is in the form of a receipt as a sale is made from the record card or stub and effect a controlled collection of the separated proof stub sections in the register, whereupon these proof sections for the store are evaluated for various purposes. A most extensive possibility of evaluation is then provided when such proof stubs are available, a section of which has been provided with perforations" in a card perforating machine.

In order to meet these requirements the cutting register is provided with a cutting device which can be operated manually or by means of a motor. The cutting register furthermore is provided with a collecting box or container that may be inserted in the housing of the register which serves for separating the proof stubs by means of the cutting device.

Especially in those cases where the proof stubs to be fed into the cutting register have a perforation in the stub or section which must be cut off in the register and which must later be processed in an evaluating machine, it is of particular significance when the stubs or cards are evaluated that the stacking of the individual proof stubs in the box of the cutting register is effected with the greatest accuracy, so that during later feeding of the stack of cards to the evaluating machine no jamming and no erroneous evaluation can occur.

It is an object of the invention to insure that in a cutting and collecting register of the aforementioned type which is known per se, the stacking of the proof stubs to be severed in the cutting box takes place absolutely flawlessly, rapidly and reliably.

it is a further object of the invention to provide a number of safety measures which insure that the cutting device in the cutting box can only become operative when the label or a record card is introduced in the insertion slot of the box in orderly fashion.

Furthermore it is intended to make it impossible to remove that portion of the proof stub or card which does not remain in the cutting register prematurely. This proof portion must only be removable from the box when the associated proof slip that is to be separated has actually been separated by the cutting device and has been stacked in the collection box in orderly fashion. It is intended to accomplish in this manner that during operation of the cutting register box by the cashier or operator, it is not possible that irregularities can occur, either intentionally or unintentionally.

In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a cutting and collecting register which achieves these ends with the simplest means possible so that uninterrupted operation of the cutting register is insured.

Accordingly, the invention provides in the first place that the insertion slot for the proofs or records is located above the collecting box space at an end of this box in "ice a manner that the card or slip can be inserted through this insertion slot directly by hand with its lower edge resting against the bottom surface of the collecting box. In this connection the movable part of the cutting device is constructed at the same time as a stacking device in order to bring the proof section that is already in the collecting space, after effecting the separation, directly and immediately into stacking position in the collecting box.

In such an arrangement it is unnecessary toprovide a transmitting or feeding device apart from the cutting device in the stacking space. The elimination of such a separate feeding device achieves that an essential simplification of the cutting and collecting register, and thus unimpeded operation without jamming, is obtained. Due to the fact that the sales slip is introduced directly by hand into the collecting box space and that the cutting device serves simultaneously for introducing the proof section that has just been separated into the orderly stack in the stacking space of the collecting box, the entire operation is accomplished rapidly. The operation of the cutting register in this event takes place by way of a lever which may operate as a hand lever. The operating shaft for this hand lever may, of course, also be provided with a motor drive means.

i The exact position in the stack of the proof stub or section that is to be severe-d in the cutting register not only makes it a requisite that the proof stub be manually placed with its lower edge along the full length of the bottom surface of the box, but for execution of exact stacking of this proof stub it is also essential that no bending of the proof stub away from the cut location of this proof stub to the stack position thereof can take place. For this purpose the invention preferably provides such an arrangement that the proof section that is located in the collecting box and to be stacked is disposed immediately before the cutting operation in positive engagement between the stack plate that is under spring pressure and the cutting device that is in the form of a feeding device.

Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the cutting and collecting register in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section taken along the line A-B in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the collecting box with the flap and lid in opened position;

FIG. 3b is a partial view of the collecting box in closed condition;

FIG. 4 shows the key for the cutting and collecting register in perspective;

FIG. 5 shows the scanning pin latching device;

FIG. 6 shows the feeler;

FIG. 7 shows the return locking device for the cutting device;

FIG. 8 shows the locking means of the collecting box;

FIG. 9 shows the insertion locking means;

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view showing the guide means for the cash box key;

FIG. 11 shows an additional plunger that may optionally be provided; and

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of a return run latch.

In the housing l for the collecting box drawer a base plate 2 is provided which has guiding means 3 and 4 for a collecting box 5 for stacking separated label sections. Furthermore the cutting device is arranged upon the base plate 2. The collecting box 5 is held during insertion and in position of use by a box retainer which comprises two angular members 6 and 7 and a shaft 8 having a pressure roller 9 provided thereon which is preferably made of plastic. The roller 9 is forced resiliently by means of two leaf springs 10, 11 against the collecting box lid or cover 12. The chute for inserting the record cards or labels is arranged upon the guide means 3 and 4 and consists of two chute members 13, 14, which in a known manner are provided with finger cut-outs 15, 16 and which by means of spacers 17, 18 form an insertion slot 19 for the labels 59 that are to be cut. In the upper horizontal part of the chute member 13 an aperture 20 is provided for operating an imprinting device, for example, a date stamp, that may be provided optionally. In the second chute member 14 an aperture 21 is provided through which a built in or optionally insertable stamping device may be provided with color.

In order to prevent the dropping of the label section that is to be handed to the customer after the cutting operation, a retaining device comprising a brush-like pressure member 22 may be provided which resiliently presses the label section against the chute members or walls.

The cutting operation is carried out by means of a knife which is threadedly secured to a cutter plate 23 and which cooperates with a rigid upper cutter 23'. The cutting edge of the lower cutter 23" may be of undulated shape, as known per se, in order to produce a predetermined cutting line. The cutting plate 23 is moved by way of a drive lever 24 in cooperation with a roller 25 and two drive blocks 26 and 27 and by means of a hand lever 28 or another type of drive after release of the individual looking or latching means along the guide devices 3 and 4. The return movement of the cutting plate 23 with the individual parts provided thereon is effected by pressure springs 29 and 30, which on the one hand are supported against the support blocks 31 and 32 of the base plate and on the other hand against angular members 33 and 34 on the cutter plate. For guiding these pressure springs studs 35, 36, 37 and 38 are provided.

On the cutter plate 23 a counting device operating lever 39 is provided which during each cutting operation operates a counting device 40 which is mounted laterally of the box.

With the aid of an eccentric member 41, which is known per se, on the operating shaft 42 for the cutting plate drive and a lever 43, the release device 44 for the drawer 145 of the collecting box is operated during the cutting operation.

For latching the collecting box 5 during the insertion to open the collecting box cover or in the end position of operation, a collecting box locking lever 45 is provided which has a lug 46 which engages the lateral slot 47 of the collecting box and which prevents by means of a further lug 48 withdrawing of the box during the cutting operation, for which purpose it cooperates with a locking lever 49. This locking lever 49 limits the path of a lug 50 on lever 5 until the cutting and stacking operation has been completed.

In order to insure safe and complete severing of the individual label sections as well as faultless stacking of the severed lower section, a return run latch is provided which with the aid of a drop blade or pawl 51, an angular lever 52 and a ratchet plate 53 prevents return of the cutting plate 23 as long as the cutting device or the cutter is not moved to the foremost position, i.e. the label section is not completely severed.

For insuring the orderly insertion of the labels 59 in the slot 19 feeler pins 54 and 55 are provided which can pass through apertures 56, 5d", 57, 57" in the chute walls 13, 14. The labels 59 are provided in suitable locations with apertures 58', 58". The feeler pin 55 is elongated and has an offset cropped portion 60, which together with a pivotally journalled pawl 61 having a guide pin 62 raises the pawl 61 out of locking position so that the cutter plate 23 is freed for the cutting operation. As long as the feeler pin 55 cannot pass through the apertures 57' or 57, if a label 59 is incorrectly inserted into the slot 19, the pawl 61 with its lug 63 rests against an abutment plate 64 on the cutter plate 23 and prevents movement of the cutter plate.

Before the cutting operation begins a small tolerance exists between the lug 63 of the pawl 61 and the abutment plate 64, and in order to prevent damaging the feeler pins 54 or 55 if the label is incorrectly inserted, these pins are resiliently supported in a guide block 65 by means of pressure springs 66.

A further safety device is shown in FIG. 2 in addition to the latching devices described above, which further device permits initiation of the cutting operation only then when the label to be severed is completely inserted in the slot 19. For this purpose a label feeler 67 is provided which is pivotally mounted on a pivot axis 68. An angular locking lever 69 is pivotally connected with the label feeler 67 and is movable about an axis '70. This angular lever 69 comes to rest against a locking plate 71 at the bottom side of the cutter plate 23. By inserting a label in the slot 19 the label feeler 67 is moved downwardly by means of the lower edge of the label. In this manner the angular locking lever 69 is also forcibly turned far enough to free the locking plate 71.

FIG. 3a shows the collecting box 5 in open condition for stacking the severed label sections. The collecting box 5 consists of a bottom portion '72 having side portions 73 and '74, the closure member 75 and the rear portion 76. A cover 77 is pivotally connected to the rear portion 76. A handle 78 is provided for inserting the collecting box 5 into the cutting register. A stacking plate 79 is slidably mounted in the lower part of the collecting box which by means of a fiat spring 8% is pressed against the label sections to be inserted and stacked. Several apertures 81 are provided in the side wall 73 to permit supervision of the filled condition of the collecting box. The side wall 74 has a perforation 82 as well as a slot 47. At the forward end the side walls '73 and 74 are rounded and besides the bottom '72 is curved upwardly. In the closed condition the closure member overlaps the cover '77 so that opening of the collecting box without use of the associated key 83 is not possible. The key 83 is inserted in a laterally mounted lock 84 of the box, and the lock is constructed in such a manner that the insertion of the key is possible only in a specific position, and on the other hand the removal of the key can only take place with the collecting box in closed condition. The closure lid 75 is connected with the lock 84 for rotational movement. In the forward part of the collecting box 5 guides blades 85, 86 and holding blades 87, 88 are provided which constitute the lower extension of the insertion slot 19. Two abutment blades 89, 90 are fastened on the base plate 72 which form the lower limit for the insertion of the label and which, besides, leave a slot 91 for the label feeler 67.

In order to prevent damage of the label feeler 67 in the event of improper or careless insertion of the collecting box in the cutting register 5, a slot 92 is provided in the closure lid or cover 75 through which the label feeler 67 can enter into the interior of the collecting box 5, even when in closed condition. For operating the safety lock 84- a special key 533 is provided which has a collar 93. This collar serves for guiding the key inserted in the collecting box 5 in a key slide 94 in the guiding device 3. This collar is provided with fiat surfaces on opposite sides, so that sliding of the key during insertion of the cash box in the key slide 94 is possible only in one position of the key, to-wit, with the closure member 75 completely open. The key 83 is connected with the collecting box but is resiliently supported longitudinally of the key slide 94 as well as for sliding movement transversely of the axis of the key. In order to permit movement of the key 83 longitudinally only in one position of the key slide, the key 83 has a longitudinal groove 94- which cooperates with a pin 95 in the key slide. Proximate the handle an annular groove is provided which makes possible rotation of the key and thus opening or closing of the cash box.

The return latch comprising the drop blade 51 with angular lever 52 and the ratchet plate 53 prevents back sliding of the cutter plate 23 before termination of the cutting operation. During forward movement of the cutter plate 23 the drop blade or pawl 51 rests on one of the teeth in the ratchet plate 53. This drop blade 51 is supported for free rotation in a supporting block 97. A guide pin 98 slides along the bottom edge 99 of the angular lever 52 which is likewise freely journalled in the guide 4 and which rests upon an abutment screw 1%. On terminating the cutting operation the guide pin 98 raises the angular lever 52 briefly from the abutment screw 1% and slides a further distance beyond the abutment screw. The lever 52 automatically returns against the said screw 1%. During return movement the guide or lead pin 98 now slides upon the upper edge 102 of lever 52 whereby the drop blade 51 is brought out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet plate 53. At the end of the return movement the drop blade 51 drops again upon the ratchet plate 53 after the lead pin 98 has slid over the rear edge 102 of the lever 52.

For insertion of the closed collecting box 5 into the guide or sliding track 3 and 4, the locking lever 45 is swung outwardly against the elastic effect of a spring 1133 which is threadedly secured to a supporting block 104. During the course of the insertion the lug 46 engages an aperture 82 in the side wall 74 of the collecting box 5. As soon as this position is attained the key 83 can be inserted in the key slide 94 against the etiect of a spring 106a into the lock 84 of the collecting box 5. Upon complete opening of the closure lid 75 the collecting box 5 can be completely inserted in the cutting register by again forcing aside the locking lever 45. In the end position the lug 46 engages the slot 47 of the side wall 74 of the collecting box 5. Simultaneously the lug 48 comes to rest behind the rear portion 76 of the collecting box 5.

In order to prevent the removal of the collecting box 5 during the cutting operation, however, before the complete severing or stacking of the separated label section a latch lever 49 is simultaneously positioned forward with the cutter plate 23 which is connected with a rod 106. This rod in turn is carried along by the cutting device and returned with the aid of a pressure spring 107 into its position of rest. Upon complete filling of the collecting box with label stubs the stack plate 79 presses the lug 46 of the locking lever 45 out of the slot 47 so that the collecting box, owing to the force of spring 80 which is located in the box, is automatically forced a predetermined distance outwardly from the guide rails 3 and 4.

In order to prevent operation of the cutting device also with the collecting box in open condition as long as it has not completely entered the operating position, a lever 108 for the cutting device is secured on the operating shaft 42 which engages an abutment or latch block 110' with a wedge-shaped lug 1119. This block 111 is provided upon a rotatable lever 111 which is supported for rotation about a bolt 112 upon the slide 3. A return spring 113 together with a pin 114 draws the lever 111 into locking position as long as it is not pivotally moved by the side wall of the collecting box 73. If it is turned, then lever 1% drops from the latch block 110 and permits the operation of the cutting device. During return of the cutter plate the lever 108 is again raised by turning the operating shaft 42.

The key 83 for opening the collecting box 5 which is to be inserted into the cutting register is during operation of the cutting register secured in a manner that it cannot be lost. This is effected in that in front of the key slide with the flat portions 11$ and 118". The key slide 94 has an enlarged opening 119 in the end position which corresponds to the larger diameter of the collar 93. The key 83 is thus removable from the key slide 94 in this end position when a collecting box is not yet inserted. Such removing, however, is undesirable during cutting and col lecting operations. In order to prevent the withdrawing the additional key guiding member has a partially enlarged bore which does not completely pass through. In this bore the key 83 rests when the collecting box is not inserted in that it is pulled outwardly by the spring 106a. As soon as a collecting box is inserted the: key is inserted in a very special position of the collecting box lock 84, and subsequently by rotating the key the collecting box or the closure lid 75 is opened. Only in the opening position the flat parts 118', 118" of the collar 93 are parallel with respect to the guide surfaces of the key slide 94, so that further insertion of the collecting box is possible only then when it is completely opened. In order to compensate for small inaccuracies during the opening operation the slide 116 is of slightly wedge-shaped form in the area of the enlarged bore so that the complete opening of the cash box is automatically effected.

For identifying the separated label sections, for example, by means of an identification number associated with a certain sales person or a particular collecting box, a stamping device may be optionally used. For this purpose a support 120 is provided on the cutting plate 23 for a stamp rod 121 which has a stamp 122 at its forward end. This stamp presses against the inserted label during the cutting operation, while on the other side a counter bearing is provided on the chute plate 13'. The stamp rod 121 has an annular groove into which a retaining lug 124 can be inserted which is under the pressure of a spring 123. In order to insure unambiguous orientation of the stamp 122 the mounting 1211 has a longitudinal groove 125 in which slides a pin 126 of the stamping device. The cutting and collecting register in accordance with the invention operates and is attended to in the fol lowing manner:

A closed, empty, or in a given case also partially filled, collecting box 5 is inserted by the cashier between the guiding devices or slides 3 and 4. In a designated intermediate position the collecting box latch lever 45 engages the perforation 82 with its lug 46. In this position the key 83 that is provided in a manner that it cannot be lost can be inserted from the side against the spring pressure into the lock 84 of the collecting box. After the collecting box has been opened, it can be pushed into its operating end position, at which time the lug 46 engages the slot 4'7 and the lug 48 latchingly reaches behind the end 76 of the collecting box. During sliding of the collecting box into the operating end position the latch, which consists of the lever 108 and the latch block 110 as well as the rotatable lever 111, is released. Thus the cutting device per se can be operated. In this condition the cutting and collecting register is ready for operation.

After a sale has been made, the label is inserted in a predetermined position in the slot 19. Two perforations are provided in the label which permit operation of the cutting device only after suitable alignment of the label in the slot 19. By pressing down the label the latching of the cutting plate 23 is released above the label feeler 67 by means of a suitable rocking movement. This releasing is efiected independently of the location of the label in the slot as long as the label is inserted into the slot to a suitable depth. Only then, however, when the feeler pins 54 and 55 can pass through the corresponding apertures 58' and 58" of the label, further latch means comprising the pawl 61 and the abutment plate 64 are rendered inoperative. Now the operating lever can be pressed and the cutting operation can be initiated. In order to preclude an interruption of the complete separation, the drop blade 51 engages the ratchet plate 53 until it is rendered inoperative by means of the angular lever 52 after the separation has been completed. During the forward movement of the cutting plate 23 a counting device 40 and an opening mechanism for the cash drawer 145 are simultaneously operated.

In the same manner that an interruption of the cutting operation is not possible, also the removing of the collecting box before final separation of the label is made impossible by the lug 50 of the lever 45 in cooperation with the latch lever 49. After the cutting and stacking operation the cutting plate 23 is automatically returned by the force of the springs 29 and 30. Now after removal from the collecting box of the label section that is to be removed, a further cutting operation can take place in the manner described.

As soon as the collecting box 5 is completely filled with the proof sections the stacking plate 79 presses the lug 46 of the locking lever 45 out of the slot 47, whereby the collecting box 5 is automatically forced by a small distance from its operative end position. As a result the latching means 108 to 1114 again become operative, so that a new cutting operation is not possible as long as a new empty or partially filled collecting box 5 has not been inserted in orderly fashion.

The invention, however, is not limited to the embodiment illustrated and described. It is also readily possible to provide structural changes in the details of the cutting and collecting register in accordance with the invention, as long as only the manner of operation of the corresponding parts is adapted to the particular purpose in accordance with the invention. Such changes are possible, for example, with the operating means for the counting device 40 for the stamping or impregnating device.

FIG. 12 illustrates an advantageous embodiment for the construction of the return latching means. Instead of the drop blades and the toothed rail or ratchet rail in the device 51, 52, 53, and 97 to 102, a recess 127 is provided in the cutting plate 23 preferably along the side of the hand lever 28. In this recess a plate 128 is secured. The length of the plate 128 corresponds substantially to the path of displacement of the cutting plate 23. A wedge-shaped clamping lever 129 which is freely movable on the shaft 130 is rocked by means of the plate 128 during forward movement as well as return movement against the effect of springs 131 or 132. As a result the lever 129 constitutes a wedging body which permits movement of the cutting plate 23 in one direction at a time but prevents movement in the opposite direction by exerting pressure. Each time at the end of the movement of the cutting plate 23, i.e. after completion of the cutting operation on the one hand, or in the position of rest on the other hand, the lever 129 slides from the plate 128 and thus arrives in a vertical center position. When the movement is reversed, it is rocked in the opposite sense by the plate 123 and serves as return latch.

Having now described the invention with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is not intended to be limited thereto, but what is desired to be protected by Letters patent of the United States is set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for cut stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted in said housing including an operating shaft and a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said collecting box having a movable flap at its end proximate said slot and said cutting member and said apparatus including a latch means for said cutting device having a portion operatively linked to said operating shaft and a portion adapted to be moved by said collecting box.

2. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for out stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted in said housing inciuding an operating shaft and a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said collecting box having a movable flap at its end proximate said slot and said cutting member and said apparatus including a latch means for said cutting device having a portion operatively linked to said operating shaft and a portion adapted to be moved by said collecting box; and said collecting box including a spring biased stacking plate and said stacking device being movable to press record stubs being cut against said plate.

3. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for cut stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted in said housing including an operating shaft and a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said collecting b x having a movable flap at its end proximate said slot and said cutting member and said apparatus including a latch means for said cutting device having a portion operatively linked to said operating shaft and a portion adapted to be moved by said collecting box, and having a pivotally mounted locking member operative to engage an abutment on said cutting member to detain said cutting member and a feeler member pivotally mounted in said housing and pivotally connected to said locking member, said feeler member having an end in alignment with said slot and being movable in response to pressure by a label inserted in said slot to move and release said locking member.

4. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for cut stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted in said housing including an operating shaft and a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said collecting box havin a movable fiap at its end proximate said slot and said cutting member and said apparatus including a latch means for said cutting device having a portion operatively linked to said operating shaft and a portion adapted to be moved by said collecting box, said apparatus including a safety device comprising a pair of rods mounted on said cutting device in alignment with apertures in labels being processed in said slot and being operative in response to passage through said apertures to prevent removal of a label in said slot and to release said cutting device for operation and then said latch means for said cutting device.

5. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for cut stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted in said housing including an operating shaft and a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said collecting box having a movable flap at its end proximate said slot and said cutting member and said apparatus including a latch means for said cutting device having a portion operatively linked to said operating shaft and a portion adapted to be moved by said collecting box, said apparatus including a safety device comprising a pair of rods mounted on said cutting device in alignment with apertures in labels being processed in said slot and being operative in response to passage through said apertures to prevent removal of a label in said slot and to release said cutting device for operation and then said latch means for said cutting device, and an operating device for said cutting device such as a lever mounted on said operating shaft and associated with a return latch device comprising a ratchet and pawl mechanism operative to release said cutting device for return movement upon completion of a cutting and stacking operation.

6. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for cut stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted in said housing including an operating shaft and a movable cutting memher having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said collecting box having a movable flap at its end proximate said slot and said cutting member and said apparatus including a latch means for said cutting device having a portion operatively linked to said operating shaft and a portion adapted to be moved by said collecting box, said apparatus including a safety device comprising a pair of rods mounted on said cutting device in alignment with apertures in labels being processed in said slot and being operative in response to passage through said apertures to prevent removal of a label in said slot and to release said cutting device for operation and then said latch means for said cutting device, and a latching device including a latch lug operative to engage the outer end of said collecting box to secure said collecting box in position in said housing and prevent removal of said box until a cutting and stacking operation is completed.

7. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for out stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted in said housing including an operating shaft and a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said collecting box having a movable flap at its end proximate said slot and said cutting member and said apparatus including a latch means for said cutting device having a portion operatively linked to said operating shaft and a portion adapted to be moved by said collecting box, said apparatus including a safety device comprising a pair of rods mounted on said cutting device in alignment with apertures in labels being processed in said slot and being operative in response to passage through said apertures to prevent removal of a label in said slot and to release said cutting device for operation and then said latch means for said cutting device, and a latching device including a first latch lug operative to engage the outer end of said collecting box to secure said collecting box in position in said housing and prevent removal of said box until a cutting and stacking operation is completed, said latching device including a second lug for engagement with a slot in said collecting box and adapted to be moved by stacked stub sections in said collecting box out of said slot and to move said first latch lug from the outer end of said collecting box.

8. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for cut stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an

insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collccting box, a cutting device mounted in said housing including an operating shaft and a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said collecting box having a movable flap at its end proximate said slot and said cutting member and said apparatus including a latch means for said cutting device having a portion operatively linked to said operating shaft and a portion adapted to be moved by said collecting box, said apparatus including a safety device comprising a pair of rods mounted on said cutting device in alignment with apertures in labels being processed in said slot and being operative in response to passage through said apertures to prevent removal of a label in said slot and to release said cutting device for operation and then said latch means for said cutting device, and an operating device for said cutting device such as a lever mounted on said operating shaft and associated With a return latch device comprising a ratchet and pawl mechanism operative to release said cutting device for return movement upon completion of a cutting and stacking operation, said lever being operative to actuate in sequence said latch means for said cutting device and said return latch device.

9. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for cut stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted on a slide member in said housing including a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said cutting device including a movable cutting plate, a drive lever for moving said plate mounted on a shaft rotatably journalled in said housing and a hand lever connected to said shaft, and said collecting box having a pivotable closure flap at its end proximate said cutting device including a lock and a key for said lock and a latch means including a first lever mounted horizontally on said slide member and a second lever pivotally mounted on said shaft laterally of said slide member, said first lever having a first arm and a second arm, and said second lever having an arm for for latching engagement with said first arm of said first lever, and said second arm of said first lever being disposed; proximate said closure flap and being movable in response to movement of said flap by said key to release said second lever to permit operation of said hand lever and thereby said cutting plate.

10. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for 1abels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for cut stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted on a slide member in said housing including a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said cutting device including a movable cutting plate, a drive lever for moving said plate mounted on a shaft rotatably journalled in said housing and a hand lever connected to said shaft, and said collecting box having a pivotable closure flap at its end proximate said cutting device including a lock and a key for said lock and a latch means including a first lever mounted horizontally on said slide mem her and a second lever pivotally mounted on said shaft laterally of said slide member, said first lever having a first arm and a second arm, and said second lever having an arm for latching engagement with said first arm of said first lever, and said second arm of said first lever being disposed; proximate said closure flap and being movable in response to movement of said fiap by said key to release said second lever to permit operation of said hand lever and thereby said cutting plate, said key having a collar slidably received in a slot in said slide member and having grooves in sliding engagement with said collar and said collar having flat surface portions in sliding engagement with said slot in said slide member.

11. Cutting and collecting register apparatus for labels or the like of the type including a plurality of stub sections, said apparatus comprising a housing, a collecting box for cut stub sections slidably received in said housing and presenting a contact surface for stub sections, an insertion slot disposed in said housing above said collecting box, a cutting device mounted on a slide member in said housing including a movable cutting member having an edge proximate said slot and slidably movable relative to said housing, said collecting box and said slot, said cutting device simultaneously forming a stacking device for stub sections, said cutting device including a movable cutting plate, a drive lever for moving said plate mounted on a shaft rotatably journalled in said housing and a hand lever connected to said shaft, and said collecting box having a pivotable closure flap at its ind proximate said cutting device including a lock and a key for said lock and a latch means including a first lever mounted horizontally on said slide member and a second lever pivotally mounted on said shaft laterally of said slide member, said first lever having a first arm and a second arm, and said second lever having an arm for latching engagement with said first arm of said first lever, and said second arm of said first lever being disposed; proximate said closure fiap and being movable in response to movement of said flap by said key to release said second lever to permit operation of said hand lever and thereby said cutting plate, and return latching means comprising a latch plate corresponding in length to the length of travel of said cutting plate and being mounted thereon and a pivotally supported wedge shaped lever having an edge in engagement with said latch plate and being spring biased to vertical position and being pivotally movable in response to movement of said latch plate.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 557,142 3/1896 McGill 83366 985,445 2/1911 Patterson 23218 1,539,447 5/1925 Von Pein 8395 1,582,217 4/1926 Henry 83-372 1,650.556 11/1927 Weber 83--94 1,874,816 8/1932 Shipley 83167 2,000,159 5/1935 Bolognino 83-167 2,144,564 1/ 1939 Portman-Dixon 8395 3,004,581 10/1961 Krol et al. 83372 3,082,654 3/1963 Dobkin 83167 3,143,908 8/1964 Schildt et a1. 83273 X WILLIAM W. DYER, JR., Primary Examiner.

ANDREW R. JUHASZ, Examiner. 

1. CUTTING AND COLLECTING REGISTER APPARATUS FOR LABELS OR THE LIKE OF THE TYPE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF STUB SECTIONS, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING A HOUSING, A COLLECTING BOX FOR CUT STUB SECTIONS SLIDABLY RECEIVED IN SAID HOUSING AND PRESENTING A CONTACT SURFACE FOR STUB SECTIONS, AN INSERTION SLOT DISPOSED IN SAID HOUSING ABOVE SAID COLLECTING BOX, A CUTTING DEVICE MOUNTED IN SAID HOUSING INCLUDING AN OPERATING SHAFT AND A MOVABLE CUTTING MEMBER HAVING AN EDGE PROXIMATE SAID SLOT AND SLIDABLY MOVABLE RELATIVE TO SAID HOUSING, SAID COLLECTING BOX AND SAID SLOT, SAID CUTTING DEVICE SIMULTANEOUSLY FORMING A STACKING DEVICE FOR STUB SECTIONS, SAID COLLECTING BOX HAVING A MOVABLE FLAP AT ITS END PROXIMATE SAID SLOT AND SAID CUTTING MEMBER AND SAID APPARATUS INCLUDING A LATCH MEANS FOR CUTTING DEVICE HAVING A PORTION OPERATIVELY LINKED TO SAID OPERATING SHAFT AND A PORTION ADAPTED TO BE MOVED BY SAID COLLECTING BOX. 